Automatic inflating floating device



June 17, 1969 ICHIRO HATTORI AUTOMATIC INFLATING FLOATING DEVICE Filed May 16, 1967 June 17, i969 ICHIRO HATTORI AUTOMATIC INFLATING FLOATING DEVICE Sheet & of 4 Filed May 16, 1967 Vera/5071' Mar '0'.

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AUTOMATIC INFLATING FLOATING DEVICE File l May 16, 1967 Sheet 4 of 4 flwen arf P5612 0 J/afifo 2 a,

United States Patent 3 449 777 AUTOMATIC INFLATING FLOATING DEVICE Ichiro Hattori, Tokyo, Japan, assignor to Hosoya Kako Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, a company of Japan Filed May 16, 1967, Ser. No. 638,983 Claims priority, application Japan, May 24, 1966, 41/331,417 Int. Cl. B63c 9/18 US. Cl. 9-316 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A gas inflatable flotation device, including automatic inflation and release mechanisms, Wetting of a wateractivated battery causes firing of detonators located in the inflation and release mechanisms, and consequent detonation of explosive charges. The explosive charge in the infiation mechanism operates a piston to pierce a gas cylinder connected to a flotation bag. Simultaneously, the explosive charge in the release mechanism operates a piston to withdraw a closure pin on a flexible container in which the flotation bag is packed, thus allowing the bag to inflate. The inflation and release mechanisms may also be operated manually.

Backgr0undSummary-Drawings This invention relates to flotation devices and, more particularly, to apparatus for effecting automatic inflation of flotation devices.

Flotation devices intended for human safety, such as life jackets, inflatable rafts, space capsule flotation belts and the like, are typically inflated by using a cylinder of compressed gas, such as carbon dioxide. The inflating apparatus associated with such devices is normally actuated manually, in that the operator or wearer must manipulate a mechanical linkage in order to open the gas cylinder. In many situations, however, such as in the case of a downed aviator or a sailor who has fallen over-board, manual actuation is impossible or inconvenient since the wearer or operator may be unconscious or otherwise physically disabled, or may be unable to reach the operating mechanism. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide apparatus which will cause such a device to inflate immediately upon contact with water, regardless of the physical state of the wearer or operator.

Although an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in connection with a belt-type flotation device designed to be worn about the body, it should be understood that the invention has much wider application and, indeed, can be used in any context where it is desired to cause automatic inflation of a device upon contact with water.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a flotation device which includes an inflatable bag folded within a flexible packing container. The packing container is held closed by a closure pin associated with a release mechanism which can be either manually or automatically actuated to open the container. A gas cylinder, which is suitably connected to inflate the bag, forms a part of an inflation mechanism, which is likewise either manually or automatically actuated. A water-activated battery is associated with the inflation mechanism and serves to generate electrical current upon contact with water. This current fires detonators which are located in the inflation and release mechanisms, and the detonators in turn cause detonation of explosive charges also located therein. In the inflation mechanism, the force exerted by the explosive charge operates a spiked piston to pierce the gas cylinder and cause inflation of the flotation bag. At the same time, the force caused by the explosive charge in the Ice 3,449,777

Patented June 17, 1969 release mechanism operates a second piston, causing the closure pin to withdraw and allowing the packing container to open. Through the use of lanyards connected to the inflation and release mechanisms, inflation of the flotation bag and opening of the packing container can also be accomplished manually.

The principal objects and salient features of the present invention will become more fully apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, with illustrative reference to the drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view, partially broken away, of a flotation device embodying the features of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a sectional side elevation of the flotation device of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevation depicting the flotation device of FIGURE 1 in inflated configuration;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional side elevation of an exemplary embodiment of an inflation mechanism which forms a part of the invention;

FIGURE 5 is a side elevation of the inflation mechanism of FIGURE 4, rotated clockwise through degrees;

FIGURE 6 is a side elevation similar to FIGURE 5, but rotated clockwise therefrom degrees;

FIGURE 7 is a bottom plan view of the inflation mechanism of FIGURE 4; and

FIGURE 8 is a sectional side elevation of an exemplary embodiment of a release mechanism which forms a part of the invention.

Description of exemplary embodiment With specific reference to the drawings, there is shown in FIGURES 1, 2 and 3 a flotation device 10 which embodies the present invention. The flotation device 10 generally comprises a flexible packing container 12 which is adapted to be strapped to the body of the wearer. In the particular device shown, the packing container 12 is one of an identical pair adapted to be worn about the body in the manner of a belt. A plurality of straps or harnesses 14, which are attached to the packing container 12, are provided to join the two packing containers together and to provide means for attaching the containers about the body of the wearer.

The packing container 12 may be formed from a suitable flexible fabric such as canvas, and preferably includes a water-proof inner lining. The packing container 12 is formed with a plurality of flaps 16 which fold to form an envelope-like enclosure for an inflatable flotation bag 18. The flotation bag 18 may be made from rubber, plastic or other suitable materials, and may be designed to assume any desirable shape when inflated. As shown in FIGURE 3, the flotation bag 18 inflates to a typical water-wing shape and is designed to fit under the arm of the wearer. The principal requirement is that the flotation bag 18 be of a configuration which will provide suflicient flotation to maintain the wearers head out of the water, and numerous such designs will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art.

Each of the flaps 16 of the packing container 12 has an aperture defined by an eyelet 20. A securing cord or tape 22, which is attached to the bottom of the packing container 12 so as to form a loop, is threaded through the eyelets 20 in the flaps 16. When the flaps 16 are in place so that the flotation bag 18 is completely enclosed within the packing container 12, the loop formed by the securing cord 22 protrudes through the eyelet 20 of the outermost flap. A closure pin 24, which is part of a release mechanism 26, extends through the loop in the cord 22 and thus maintains the flaps 16 securely in position. As best shown in FIGURE 1, the release mechanism 26 is held in a pocket 28 formed in the outermost one of the flaps 16. A second pocket 30 is formed in the packing container 12 and serves to receive a gas cylinder 32 which forms a part of an inflation mechanism generally denoted by the numeral 34.

As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the release mechanism 26 and the inflation mechanism 34 can be manually actuated by means of respective lanyards 36 and 38 which are connected to a pull knob 40. Alternatively, automatic actuation of the release mechanism 26 and the inflation mechanism 34 is initiated by a water-- activated battery 42 which also forms a part of the inflation mechanism. As will become apparent hereinafter, actuation of the inflating mechanism 34 causes the flotation bag 18 to inflate with gas from the gas cylinder 32. Simultaneously, actuation of the release mechanism 26 causes withdrawal of the closure pin 24 lfIOIIl the loop in the securing cord 22, thus permitting the flaps 16 of the packing container 12 to open and allow expansion of the flotation bag 18. As shown in FIGURE 3, the flotation bag 18 has a suitable breather valve 44 which permits selective deflation and manual inflation of the flotation bag.

Turning now to FIGURES 4, 5, 6 and 7, there is shown a detailed representation of the inflation mechanism 34 referred to above in connection with FIGURES 1, 2 and 3. The inflation mechanism 34 comprises a generally cylindrical body 46 having a bore 48 which is threaded to receive the threaded neck of the gas cylinder 32. The gas cylinder 32 is prevented from loosening in the bore 48 by a set screw 49, and a suitable gasket or packing ring 51 is provided at the bottom of the bore. The bore 48 communicates with a gas chamber 50 which is defined by the body 46. A passageway 52 connects the gas chamber 50 with an annular ,gas tap 54 which is inserted into a suitable aperture in an enlarged portion 56 of the body 46. As best shown in FIGURES 6 and 7, the gas tap 54 is secured in place in the enlarged portion 56 by a threaded closure nut 58 at one end. The other end of the gas tap 54 terminates in a tube fitting 60 which is adapted to receive a gas tube 62 which in turncommunicates with the interior of the inflatable flotation bag 18. Alternatively, a suitable female inlet might be provided in the bag 18 itself for direct attachment to the tube fitting 60.

The body 46 also defines a housing 64 which receives the water-activated battery 42. As best shown in FIG- URES 6 and 7, since the battery 42 is designed to be water-activated, the housing 64 may be closed, if at all, only on one side 64a and is open on the other side. To maintain the battery components in place, a retainer clip 66 is positioned across the open face of the housing 64 and is maintained thereon by screws 68. The screws 68 are threaded into suitable holes in mounting bosses 70 which are integral with the housing 64.

The body 46 also defines a second bore 72 within which is disposed a piston 74. Attached to the upper end of the piston 74 is a plunger 76 which terminates in a spike 78. The spike 78 is disposed within the gas chamber 50 and operates to pierce the end of the gas cylinder 32 when the piston 74 is moved upwardly. A compression spring 80 which is disposed within the bore 72 serves to maintain a downward bias upon the piston 74. A pair of O-rings 82, which rest in corresponding circumferential grooves 84, serve to seal the piston 74 within the bore 72.

At the lower end of the bore 72 is a plug 86 which is likewise sealed by an O-ring 88 in a groove 90 and is held in position by set screws 92. The plug 86 has a bore 94 through which passes an operating stem 96. The stem 96, at its upper end, engages the bottom of the piston 74, and at its lower end, engages an operating lever 98 having a cam portion 100. The operating lever 98 is pivotally mounted between supports 102, which are attached to the plug 86, by a pin 104. Attached to the free end of the operating lever 98 is the lanyard 38 which terminates in the pull knob 40.

The operating stem 96 is sealed within the bore 94 by an O-ring 106 which rests in a groove 108. The operating lever 98 may be secured to prevent accidental actuation by a string or wire 110 (FIGURE 7) which passes through an aperture 112 in the operating lever and is wrapped around the body 46 in an external groove 114 provided therein.

The bore 94 and the plug 86 define an enclosure for an annular cup 116 which containsa suitable explosive material 118. An annular retaining ring 120' serves to maintain the explosive material 118 within the cup 116. A suitable detonator 122 is embedded within the explosive material 118 and is electrically connected to the battery 42 by conductors 124 which pass through the plug 86.

The body 46 is provided with a gas port 126 which extends partially around the circumference of the body. A plurality of passageways 128 communicate with the port 126 and serve to 'vent the bore 72 to atmosphere. The port 126 is covered by a suitably apertured circumferential flame shield 130. As best seen in FIGURES 5 and 6, the flame shield 130 is secured to the body 46 by screws 132, and the apertures in the flame shield are covered by thin metal \foil patches 134.

With reference to FIGURE 8 there is shown a detailed representation of the release mechanism 26 referred to above in connection with FIGURES 1, 2 and 3. The release mechanism 26 comprises a cylindrical body having an internal axial bore 152. The bore 152 is closed at the lower end of the body 150 by a cylindrical plug 154 having a raised portion 156 apertured to receive the lanyard 36. The plug 154 is held in the lower end of the bore 152 by a pin 158 which passes through the body 150 and the plug 154. Disposed for movement within the bore 152 is a piston 160 which is sealed within the bore by an O-ring 162 resting in a groove 164. Attached to the upper side of the piston 160 is the closure pin 24. An O-ring 166 which rests in a groove 168 formed in the interior of the body 150 at its upper end serves to seal the pin there- 111.

The body 150 and the bore 152 also define an enclosure 170 which contains a mass of suitable explosive material 172. Embedded within the explosive material 172 is a detonator 174 which is electrically connected to the battery 42 by conductors 176. The conductors 176 enter the release mechanism 26 through a hollow cylindrical fitting 178 which is threaded into a suitable aperture in the body 150.

A plurality of spaced gas vents 180 and 182 are provided in the lower end of the body 150 and serve to vent the bore 152 to atmosphere. A flame shield 184, which in this instance may be a thin strip of metal rfoil wrapped about the body 150, is maintained over the external openings of the vents 1'80 and 182.

When it is desired to operate the flotation device 10 manually, the operator grasps the pull knob 40 and gives a sharp tug. The force on the lanyard 38 causes the safety string or wire 110 to break, thus permitting rotation of the operating lever 98 about the pin 104. The cam portion 100 of the operating lever 98 causes an upward movement of the operating stem 96 and a consequent upward movement of the piston 74. This results in the piercing of the nozzle end of the gas cylinder 32 with a consequent release of the compressed gas into the gas chamber 50. The gas passes from the gas chamber 50 through the passageway 52 into the interior of the gas tap 54. From there the gas passes into the gas tube 62 and fills the inflatable flotation bag 18.

Due to the fact that the lanyard 36 is also connected to the pull plug 40, a tug on the pull plug exerts a force on the release mechanism 26 which causes the entire mechanism to move, thus withdrawing the closure pin 24 from the loop of securing cord 22 and allowing the flaps 16 of the packing container 12 to open. This permits the inflatable flotation bag 18 to expand freely.

Occasionally, however, due to unconsciousness or injury, the wearer will be unable to effect manual actuation of the flotation device 10. When this occurs, as for example in the case of an unconscious aviator parachut ing into the water, the battery 42 will become immersed in the water and will thus generate an electrical current in the conductors 124 and 176. The electrical current in the conductors 124 will cause the detonator 122 to fire, thus detonating the explosive material 118 in the inflating mechanism 34. The force generated by the exploding material 118 will cause the piston 74 to move rapidly upward, resulting in piercing of the gas cylinder 32 by the spike 78.

The flame and highly pressurized gases generated by the exploding material 118 escape from the body 46 through the passageways 128 and the gas port 126. The foil patches 134 on the apertured flame shield 130 burst, allowing the gases and flame to pass from the interior of the bore 72 to atmosphere.

Simultaneously, the electrical current generated in the conductors 176 causes firing of the detonator 174 and consequent detonation of the mass of the explosive material 172 in enclosure 170 of the release mechanism 26. The force generated by the exploding material 172 causes a rapid downward movement of the piston 160 in the bore 152. Compressed air ahead of the piston 160 can escape through the gas vents 182 when the piston has traveled sufliciently far to compress the air to the point where the foil of the flame shield 184 will be burst. The gases and flame generated by the exploding material 172 similarly escape through the gas vents 180 when the uppermost face of the piston 160 has traveled past the vents. The rapid downward movement of the piston 160 causes the closure pin 24 to be withdrawn from the loop of the securing cord 22 and thus allows the packing container 12 to open.

The explosive materials 118 and 172 may be any conventional composition such as smokeless gunpowder or the like. Similarly, the detonators 122 and 174 may be of any conventional type which is adapted to be fired electrically and which will cause consequent detonation of the surrounding explosive material. The gas used for inflating the gas bag '18 is preferably carbon dioxide, although other gases may be employed as is well known in the art, and the gas cylinder 32 is preferably of the readily available, commercially filled type.

The water-activated battery 42 may be selected from any of a number of conventional, commercially available designs. Such batteries are essentially primary cells which generate electricity through the use of dissimilar metals, using water as an electrolyte. When using such batteries in fresh water, it may be necessary to treat the battery components with suitable salts so that a localized electrolyte region is established in the fresh water.

It should be apparent that the exemplary embodiment disclosed herein provides a flotation device which is essentially fail-safe, being selectively actuable both manually and automatically. The device 10 is compact and lightweight and may therefore be comfortably worn by aviators and the like with a minimum of discomfort. Moreover, due to the novel features of construction, the explosive charges 118 and 172, the detonators 122 and 174, the battery 42, and the flame shields 130 and 184 6 can be replaced, thus enabling the device 10 to be reused many times. I claim:

1. In a flotation device including an inflatable flotation bag, a container for said bag, closure means for said container, and a water-activated release mechanism for disengaging said closure means, the combination thereof with an inflation mechanism comprising: a closed gas bottle; a body defining a chamber for receiving an end of said bottle; a piston confined within said body for travel toward said bottle end; spike means associated with one face of said piston and adapted to puncture said bottle end upon travel of said piston theretoward; conduit means for conducting gas between said chamber and said flotation bag; electrically actuated explosive means confined within said body and associated with the other face of said piston for moving said piston toward said bottle end upon detonation thereof; and a water-activated battery directly connected to said explosive means for electrical actuation thereof.

2. The combination of claim 1, including manually operable means for moving said piston toward said bottle end independently of said explosive means.

3. The combination of claim 1, wherein said body includes a removable plug having a chamber for receiving said explosive means.

4. In a flotation device including an inflatable flotation bag, a water-activated inflation mechanism, a container for said bag and closure means for said container, the combination thereof with a release mechanism for disengaging said closure means, comprising: a body defining a cylinder; a piston disposed for travel within said cylinder; a closure pin cooperative with said closure means to disengage said closure means when withdrawn therefrom, said closure pin extending from said body and being associated for travel with said piston; electrically actuated explosive means confined within said body and associated with said piston for moving said piston and withdrawing said closure pin into said body upon detonation thereof; and a water-activated battery directly connected to said explosive means for electrical actuation thereof.

5. The combination of claim 4, wherein said body includes a removable plug having a chamber for receiving at least a portion of said explosive means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,343,988 9/1967 Friend 136-100 X 2,707,605 5/1955 Sieverts 9-319 X 2,774,979 12/1956 Moran 9-316 3,077,288 2/1963 Henry 9-316 X MILTON BUCHLER, Primary Examiner.

T. W. BUCKMAN, Assistant Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 136100 

